vrcanaries Chapter 411: Win people’s hearts
Chapter 411: Win people’s hearts
After paying their respects, Shen Meizhuang and An Lingrong stayed in Yongshou Palace.
The three of them walked into the inner hall together. The hall was elegantly furnished. In its center, a three-legged bronze incense burner stood quietly. From within, goose pear-shaped incense slowly rose. The fragrance, sweet yet not overpowering, resembled the sweet scent of pear blossoms in spring. It permeated the entire space, lingering around everyone's noses, gently soothing away the fatigue and anxiety in their hearts, bringing instant relaxation to their bodies and minds.
Warm sunlight streamed in through the carved window lattices, casting a dappled glow over the hall, casting a fine golden veil over the interior. The interweaving of light and shadow cast a soft, gentle glow all around, even the floating dust particles shimmering with a golden glimmer in the light. It was as if the very air itself was imbued with a warm, inviting warmth, evoking an inexplicable sense of comfort.
As soon as An Lingrong entered the inner hall, she half-lay on the soft couch and gently rubbed her waist, saying lazily, "I've been sitting for such a long time, my waist is a little sore."
Seeing this, Zhen Huan smiled slightly and ordered Jin Xi, "Go and get Rong'er a soft pillow." Jin Xi went and soon brought a goose feather pillow embroidered with peony patterns, and gently placed it behind An Lingrong's waist.
An Lingrong sighed comfortably and looked up at Zhen Huan, her tone filled with concern: "Sister Zhen, aren't the rewards you gave me today too expensive? Those jade pendants, hairpins, and bracelets are all precious treasures."
Zhen Huan sighed softly, walked to the window, looked at the scenery outside, and said with a bit of helplessness: "Alas, I have just taken the position of Imperial Noble Consort after all, and I am afraid that some people will feel dissatisfied. These are just some external things. If they can appease people, it is worth it."
Shen Meizhuang sat on a chair nearby, holding a cup of hot tea in her hand. Her brows knitted slightly, and her tone was filled with worry: "I'm afraid some people will think you're deliberately showing off the emperor's favor. In the harem, people's hearts are unpredictable. Some people may appear respectful on the surface, but they may not be convinced in private."
Zhen Huan turned around, looking at Shen Meizhuang gently, and said softly, "Sister Mei is worried, I understand. But now that I am the Imperial Noble Consort, if I keep a low profile, people will think I am weak and can be bullied. Giving them these rewards today is both to appease them and to establish my authority. If they are sensible, they will naturally understand my intentions; if they are not, then they are just asking for trouble."
An Lingrong nodded gently upon hearing this, her tone tinged with emotion, "Sister Zhen is indeed very thoughtful. However, I have a feeling that some people in the harem might not appreciate it. Especially Concubine Duan. Her words today were both overt and covert in finding fault with me. I'm afraid she may be dissatisfied with you."
Zhen Huan smiled faintly, walked over to An Lingrong and sat down, gently patting the back of her hand. Her tone was somewhat soothing, "Rong'er, don't worry. Although Concubine Duan has extensive experience, she is getting older and her health is not as good as before. The Emperor no longer relies on her as much as he used to. What she said today was just a result of her resentment. As long as we sisters are united, she won't be able to cause any trouble."
Shen Meizhuang nodded and said with a smile, "Huan'er is right. As long as we work together, no matter how many schemes she makes, she won't be able to harm us."
Her voice was gentle yet firm, carrying a reassuring power.
An Lingrong took a sip of tea, a trace of deep thought flashing in her eyes. She slowly said, "What the two sisters said makes sense. However, if we want to win people's hearts, giving gifts is far from enough. We also need to give them the benefits they want most."
Upon hearing this, Zhen Huan raised her eyebrows slightly and turned her gaze to An Lingrong, with a hint of doubt in her tone: "The benefit you want most? Do you mean...?"
She tapped the table lightly with her fingers, obviously interested in An Lingrong's words.
An Lingrong put down the teacup, a faint smile appeared on the corner of her lips, and she said bluntly: "Promotion." Although her voice was soft, every word was clear.
She paused and continued, "You've been promoted to Imperial Noble Consort, and even the Empress's Golden Seal is in your hands. As soon as you took office, you bestowed titles upon the six palaces. Why not share the benefits with everyone? This way, they'll benefit and naturally be grateful to you, and those voices of discontent will gradually subside."
After hearing this, Zhen Huan's eyes flashed with approval, and she nodded gently, saying, "You are right. Promotion is indeed more moving than gold, silver, and jewelry. However..." She frowned slightly, her tone carrying a hint of concern, "Conferring titles on the six palaces is no small matter; it requires the Emperor's approval."
Shen Meizhuang took over the conversation, her tone gentle but firm, "Huan'er, don't worry too much. You are now the Imperial Noble Consort, the same rank as the Vice Empress, so it is reasonable for you to propose a promotion. Besides, the Emperor loves you very much, so if you ask, he will most likely agree."
An Lingrong also agreed, "Sister, you're right. Sister Zhen, you're at the peak of your popularity right now, and this is a great opportunity to win people's hearts. If you can take this opportunity to make everyone in the harem grateful to you, your future actions will go much more smoothly."
After a pause, he continued, "One more thing. This year is the time for the three-year selection. We need to deal with the current concubines as soon as possible so that we can focus on dealing with the people who will be selected later."
Upon hearing this, Shen Meizhuang nodded slightly, a trace of deep thought flashing in her eyes. "Rong'er is right. The selection of concubines is indeed imminent. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has already reported the names of women of marriageable age from all over the country. The Emperor also said that the selection can begin after returning from the Old Summer Palace. If a newcomer enters the palace, the situation in the harem will probably become even more complicated. We need to consolidate our foundation before then, so as not to be exploited by a newcomer."
Zhen Huan nodded, a hint of determination flashing in her eyes: "Okay, in that case, I will find a suitable time to raise this matter with the Emperor."